What do you think? Is christmas sustainable? how would it work in a changed world?
Or should all our 'do-gooders' leave our festivals alone!!!
I feel that it depends on how you look at it. theres alot to our daily lives that are not sustainable, so to high light christmas as a particularly un sustainable festival is not neccessarily a bad thing. In my opion it is a long lived tradition that we enjoy and has not done us harm yet. You can argue that christmas has definatly lost its religious value and meaning, with the 'Santa Claus' figure replacing the birth of christ which is in reality what christmas is all about.
I have never heard of christmas as a sustainability issue, i dont think it is sustainable but in my opinion i dont feel this is a bad thing. there are many other issues that we should be more concerned about such as our carbon footprint, recycling and other things that concern the well being for future generations. to say its defined by 'excess and waste...lights, fireworks, over packing, excess spending, over eating and embarressing self indulge'' poses christmas in a negative light as each of these descriptions are factors that affect our sustainability and yes maybe it is true that we do all these things at christmas, but dont we do this throughout the year to, there is no change, some societies over spend, over eat or even produce alot of waste. So what makes christmas any different?
I think in years to come, christmas still wont be much of an issue. It is a Festival and a tradition, the only issue i think it could possibly pose would be due to the amount of electricity it consumes with countless amounts of fairy lights but knowing our society bans or limits would probably be put in place to prevent this.
Those 'do-gooders' that see christmas as a threat, do have their a right to express their opinions, it is clear that they are concerned about the future, but i dont really feel that they need to be putting all their attention to whether or not we can make christmas more sustainable, it is a time where we can let go, have fun and be with our families.
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Sunday, 29 November 2009
To what extent do the best selling UK newspapers cover stories related to serious issues? To what extent do you think it is their role to do so? In your opinion does the tabloid media and 'low budget entertainment' (reality shows, soaps) have too much power and influence in this country?
The Media has alot of power in this country, It has the ability to guide, scare and comfort the nation. Newpapers being on the main sources of media produce, alot of information on various articles that can be considered important(serious) or in some cases a waste.
When i read the blogprompt, i wasnt to sure how to answer as im not really one for reading newspapers, so i took it upon me to do a little research on the internet.
The blogprompt stated that the Sun is the top selling newspaper and that there was only one Broadsheet in the top 6. So i therefore looked at 'The Sun' homepage and 'The daily telegraph' as it was 4th.
On The Sun's homepage, i found that the top stories include 'JLS wear Jedwrads Trainers' 'Jordan uncensored' and 'david beckham secretly smoking', on the otherhand those on The Daily Telegraphs homepage include 'Uni of East Anglia accused of manipulating climate change data' and 'Underperforming issue', there were other stories which could be considered of an insignificance as X-factor was also on their homepage. Just from looking at these two Newspapers homepages, allthough being a snapshot of what they produce, you can see that there is a clear difference in what both exhibit.
Although i dont read many newspapers i know that there is a difference in what the two different types produce, therefore i feel that those top selling newspapers do not cover serious issues to the extent that they should. They base the majority of their stories on sport and celeberity lifes. where as those that are infact broadsheet do produce information on issues such as climate change and politics.
I feel that it is their role to produce more information on serious issues, such as Sustainability and healthcare which from recent articles are clearly both an issue that needs to be dealt with.
The issue is, that each newspaper designs itself towards its target market, therefore if it was changed then it would lose out. If The Sun changes so it gives information on serious issues, the majority of people that buy The Sun, buy it for what stories it produces, they may not have any interest in climate change or sustainability, therefore will simply stop buying.
However we all know that Tabloids are extremely good in Scaring the nation, you dont even need to read newspapers to know, Their headlines say enough, therefore if they were to change would it be a good or bad thing. As they will catch the nations eye and get us thinking, but at the same time they do give the extreme.
Almost everyone has a T.V in their house and spent a good part of the day/evening watching it. The mainstream channels 1,2,3 and 4 mainly show soaps and reality T.V including X-factor, Hollyoaks, Eastenders and Im a celebrity,Get me out of here. i feel that there should be more documentarys on serious issues. We need to be informed on what is happening in the world and it shouldnt be down to the news to do this. Every now and the Channel 4 or BBc 1/2 will show a short series on an issue such as climate change, but is this enough?
Low budget entertainment definatly has too much power in this country.
The Media has alot of power in this country, It has the ability to guide, scare and comfort the nation. Newpapers being on the main sources of media produce, alot of information on various articles that can be considered important(serious) or in some cases a waste.
When i read the blogprompt, i wasnt to sure how to answer as im not really one for reading newspapers, so i took it upon me to do a little research on the internet.
The blogprompt stated that the Sun is the top selling newspaper and that there was only one Broadsheet in the top 6. So i therefore looked at 'The Sun' homepage and 'The daily telegraph' as it was 4th.
On The Sun's homepage, i found that the top stories include 'JLS wear Jedwrads Trainers' 'Jordan uncensored' and 'david beckham secretly smoking', on the otherhand those on The Daily Telegraphs homepage include 'Uni of East Anglia accused of manipulating climate change data' and 'Underperforming issue', there were other stories which could be considered of an insignificance as X-factor was also on their homepage. Just from looking at these two Newspapers homepages, allthough being a snapshot of what they produce, you can see that there is a clear difference in what both exhibit.
Although i dont read many newspapers i know that there is a difference in what the two different types produce, therefore i feel that those top selling newspapers do not cover serious issues to the extent that they should. They base the majority of their stories on sport and celeberity lifes. where as those that are infact broadsheet do produce information on issues such as climate change and politics.
I feel that it is their role to produce more information on serious issues, such as Sustainability and healthcare which from recent articles are clearly both an issue that needs to be dealt with.
The issue is, that each newspaper designs itself towards its target market, therefore if it was changed then it would lose out. If The Sun changes so it gives information on serious issues, the majority of people that buy The Sun, buy it for what stories it produces, they may not have any interest in climate change or sustainability, therefore will simply stop buying.
However we all know that Tabloids are extremely good in Scaring the nation, you dont even need to read newspapers to know, Their headlines say enough, therefore if they were to change would it be a good or bad thing. As they will catch the nations eye and get us thinking, but at the same time they do give the extreme.
Almost everyone has a T.V in their house and spent a good part of the day/evening watching it. The mainstream channels 1,2,3 and 4 mainly show soaps and reality T.V including X-factor, Hollyoaks, Eastenders and Im a celebrity,Get me out of here. i feel that there should be more documentarys on serious issues. We need to be informed on what is happening in the world and it shouldnt be down to the news to do this. Every now and the Channel 4 or BBc 1/2 will show a short series on an issue such as climate change, but is this enough?
Low budget entertainment definatly has too much power in this country.
Friday, 6 November 2009
To What extent do you think that it is your duty as a citizen to be 'informed'? Are you informed? How do you get to be informed about serious issues? To what extent do you think that you should leave the complicated decisions up to others?
I feel that sustainable development is an issue thats important. Everyone should be informed and educated on the subject. However i also feel that it is those who, like me are interested and possibibly studying it as a module, have more availability to resources and information on the issue.
Some people don't understand the concept of Sustainable development and global warming and just dont see it as a big issue, they therefore do not feel they need to change their lifestyle. One main attribute to sustainable development is most probably recycling.
Over the years Recycling has improved greatly showing an increase in us as citizens being informed.. However some would argue that we are not being informed and we are literally being handed recycling bins, bags and bottle banks and simply being told to fill them with the correct Waste. I personally feel that we are being informed on the consequences, possibilities and improvements but in a very basic and 'bland' way and i only understand because like i said previously, i show an interest in this area therefore i study it. But many of us dont.
I feel that i am informed of sustainable development due to various reasons, The main reason being Through education. Local Councils are the ones that tend to inform the community on recycling but they could possibly do a litttle more to educate us in why we are doing this, using Al gore's film as an example.
One of the main points, that i am going to repeat and already have throughout this blog is that; The more of an interest you have in Sustainable development, the easier it is to access resources and the easier you pick up on it in the News. Therefore alot of the sustainable lifestyles are learnt behaviours such a recycling, Eco Friendly resources such as cars and packaging that is already of a bio degradable nature. As all of these are introduced and have became a way of life without stressing why certain materials have been made the way that they have.
By Watching the News regularly, reading broadsheet newspapers and using the internet, can inform you on what the important facts of Sustainable development. i feel that tabloid newspapers are to be avoided as they are skeptical and tend to use scare tactics when writing about subjects such as global warming.
Lastly i feel that The 'complicated' decisions should definatly be left to those who are studying into this area of work. However when concerning politicians who tend to get side tracked into political debates, should, in my eye not be responsible for decisions on the welfare of humanity, in terms of Global warming without research backed up by scientists.
I feel that sustainable development is an issue thats important. Everyone should be informed and educated on the subject. However i also feel that it is those who, like me are interested and possibibly studying it as a module, have more availability to resources and information on the issue.
Some people don't understand the concept of Sustainable development and global warming and just dont see it as a big issue, they therefore do not feel they need to change their lifestyle. One main attribute to sustainable development is most probably recycling.
Over the years Recycling has improved greatly showing an increase in us as citizens being informed.. However some would argue that we are not being informed and we are literally being handed recycling bins, bags and bottle banks and simply being told to fill them with the correct Waste. I personally feel that we are being informed on the consequences, possibilities and improvements but in a very basic and 'bland' way and i only understand because like i said previously, i show an interest in this area therefore i study it. But many of us dont.
I feel that i am informed of sustainable development due to various reasons, The main reason being Through education. Local Councils are the ones that tend to inform the community on recycling but they could possibly do a litttle more to educate us in why we are doing this, using Al gore's film as an example.
One of the main points, that i am going to repeat and already have throughout this blog is that; The more of an interest you have in Sustainable development, the easier it is to access resources and the easier you pick up on it in the News. Therefore alot of the sustainable lifestyles are learnt behaviours such a recycling, Eco Friendly resources such as cars and packaging that is already of a bio degradable nature. As all of these are introduced and have became a way of life without stressing why certain materials have been made the way that they have.
By Watching the News regularly, reading broadsheet newspapers and using the internet, can inform you on what the important facts of Sustainable development. i feel that tabloid newspapers are to be avoided as they are skeptical and tend to use scare tactics when writing about subjects such as global warming.
Lastly i feel that The 'complicated' decisions should definatly be left to those who are studying into this area of work. However when concerning politicians who tend to get side tracked into political debates, should, in my eye not be responsible for decisions on the welfare of humanity, in terms of Global warming without research backed up by scientists.
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Al Gore (and the IPCC) won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 (BBC 2007) largely for the production of the film 'An Inconvenient Truth'
The committee cited "their efforts to build up and disseminate knowledge about man-made climate change".
To what extent do you think this was deserved? Having watched this film in class did you feel that your opinion (or perhaps the opinion of others) to the issue of climate change could be positively influenced? What did you think of this film? Was it effective?
In the production of the film 'an inconveniet truth' Al Gore put across alot of Shocking statistics against global warming The Film was designed around a powerpoint presentation carried out by himself. Al gore put across his point powerfully therefore i feel that the Nobel peace prize he won was well deserved as he opened up our eyes to the realities of what will happen if we carry on.
Al Gore used clever tactics in getting the audience interested in what he was talking about. He kept them hooked by using humour and also shock Tactics. Many pictures he used as evidence of what global warming is doing to our planet (As stated by him). For example, Al gore showed Countless pictures of Glaciers retreating Due to a rise in temperature. He Stated that if Antartica melted, Global Sea level would rise by 20ft and there is already evidence of 20ft of an ice shelf melting in 31days. Many skeptics would argue that this is an extreme and not reality. Which Al Gore took into account when giving his presentation. He Definatly influence my perception on Global warming by doing this, as he covered many areas and took into account many ideas of a variety of people.
An example being that The global Temperature rises and cools through spring too autumm and that C02 levels rise as temperature rises and fall in relation to this, which when this is explained can be a very valid point. However, Al Gore explains that in the 10 hottest years record have been in the last 14 years and C02 levels haven risen greatly (above 300parts per million). Surely thats way above average and even if global warming is not completely to blame, it is apart to blame.
My opinion of the film is that it was incredibly effective, it was interesting and full of facts and figures to back up evidence given. One of the most Valid points i feel Al Gore came up with, was that of Winston Churchill. He Warned that 'we are Entering a period of Consequences'.
I Feel that those consequences are starting to show. Evidence of Horrendous Hurricanes/Tornadoes in America are an example of these consequences. Hurricane Katrina Started as a Category 1 in florida and as it moved across America, hitting warmer air temperatures causing it to speed up and become more dangerous resulted in many deaths and thousands of Dollers worth of damage, which previously before Global warming affects may not have happened. Disease due to Warmth as mosquitos are moving into areas of Africa (Nirobi)spreading malaria and a lack of water such as Lake Chad which was one of africas largest lakes has dried up were examples of many that were shown in the film.
All of this can be prevented and to a certain extent reversed. Which is what Al Gore was trying to say, i feel that it can happen, he proved that it can happen. its just Everyone needs to co operate as it is the Future generations that will suffer greatly.
Friday, 9 October 2009
What Actions could you (in theory) undertake that would improve the ‘Sustainability’ of your lifestyle? What might be preventing you from doing these?
At My time at university so far, i feel that my life has become more sustainable. there are many reasons that i believe this. Firstly before i came to The University. Like most 17 year olds i was desperate to learn to drive, once i passed i found myself driving everywhere even to my local shops which is about a 5 minute walk. As we all know, cars are not the most Eco-friendly machines. i rarely used public transport and spent a fortune on petrol producing more and more emissions, however not being allowed to bring my car to Northampton, i felt that my lifestyle improved without me knowing. i now regularly use the bus to go into town and walk to places rather than drive. i feel not only am i helping reduce emmission, it has even improved my health as i get more exercise.
This again is something i feel we should stress to future generations as obesity linked with excersise, diet and lifestyle is affecting our health, potentially resulting in shorter lives due to long term health problems, also Alcohol as a nation known for binge drinking i feel that it is adding to the problems that are there to live a sustainable lifestyle. Alcohol being a drug, is cheap and accessible to young people even underaged. i feel we need to educate future generations maybe using shock tactics to prevent this problem from geting any worse aswell as reduce it.
Another aspect of sustainability that has affected they way i now live in Northampton is Recycling. Previously at home i did the odd bit of recycling but not to the extent here. i feel that the designated bins in the kitchen have made me think about what im throwing away and that alot of it can be recycled or even re-used such as plastic bags from the supermarket or the plastic pots that chinese takeaways come in.
Thirdly, another source which is often wasted is Electricity. I know that i leave lights on when i am not in my room and the kitchen but whats preventing me from turning them off, is simply forgetfulness, too improve this aspect of my lifestyle would be to put up a note somewhere to be seen as Just a reminder to turn them off untill i get in the habit aswell as switching plugs off when not in use, which i do tend to do.
There is one problem that is preventing alot of people including me from fully changing my lifestyle, this is Money. We are asked to use public transport or change our diet to be more healthy but for a student it is simply too expensive. allthough Northampton being a Town with a university so there are alot of deals on public transport so it is cheap. it is not the case for alot of places. if i wanted to go home and visit my family for the weekend, instead of getting a train i would ask my parents to give me a lift because i cannot afford it. also the cheaper unhealthier packaged food is within most students budget whereas as fresh foods are not.
At My time at university so far, i feel that my life has become more sustainable. there are many reasons that i believe this. Firstly before i came to The University. Like most 17 year olds i was desperate to learn to drive, once i passed i found myself driving everywhere even to my local shops which is about a 5 minute walk. As we all know, cars are not the most Eco-friendly machines. i rarely used public transport and spent a fortune on petrol producing more and more emissions, however not being allowed to bring my car to Northampton, i felt that my lifestyle improved without me knowing. i now regularly use the bus to go into town and walk to places rather than drive. i feel not only am i helping reduce emmission, it has even improved my health as i get more exercise.
This again is something i feel we should stress to future generations as obesity linked with excersise, diet and lifestyle is affecting our health, potentially resulting in shorter lives due to long term health problems, also Alcohol as a nation known for binge drinking i feel that it is adding to the problems that are there to live a sustainable lifestyle. Alcohol being a drug, is cheap and accessible to young people even underaged. i feel we need to educate future generations maybe using shock tactics to prevent this problem from geting any worse aswell as reduce it.
Another aspect of sustainability that has affected they way i now live in Northampton is Recycling. Previously at home i did the odd bit of recycling but not to the extent here. i feel that the designated bins in the kitchen have made me think about what im throwing away and that alot of it can be recycled or even re-used such as plastic bags from the supermarket or the plastic pots that chinese takeaways come in.
Thirdly, another source which is often wasted is Electricity. I know that i leave lights on when i am not in my room and the kitchen but whats preventing me from turning them off, is simply forgetfulness, too improve this aspect of my lifestyle would be to put up a note somewhere to be seen as Just a reminder to turn them off untill i get in the habit aswell as switching plugs off when not in use, which i do tend to do.
There is one problem that is preventing alot of people including me from fully changing my lifestyle, this is Money. We are asked to use public transport or change our diet to be more healthy but for a student it is simply too expensive. allthough Northampton being a Town with a university so there are alot of deals on public transport so it is cheap. it is not the case for alot of places. if i wanted to go home and visit my family for the weekend, instead of getting a train i would ask my parents to give me a lift because i cannot afford it. also the cheaper unhealthier packaged food is within most students budget whereas as fresh foods are not.
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